Barcelona Metro Guide for US Visitors (2025)
Everything you need to know to navigate Barcelona's metro system smoothly, tailored for travelers from the United States.
Overview
The Barcelona Metro is a fast, safe, and affordable way to explore the city. With 12 lines, over 180 stations, and clear signage in Spanish, Catalan, and English, it's perfect for tourists.
Key Metro Facts
- Operating Hours: Mon–Thu: 5am–midnight, Fri: 5am–2am, Sat: 24h, Sun: until midnight
- Number of Lines: 12 (L1–L12)
- Airport Access: L9 Sud connects directly to Barcelona-El Prat Airport
- Accessibility: Most stations have elevators and step-free access
- Contactless Payment: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit cards accepted at ticket machines
Tickets & Passes
Single Ticket
€2.55 per ride. Good for one journey, including transfers within the metro/tram/bus network (up to 75 minutes).
T-Usual Card
Unlimited travel for 30 days. Great for longer stays. €21.35 (Zone 1).
T-Casual Card
10 journeys for €12.15. Non-transferable, but perfect for short visits.
Hola Barcelona Travel Card
Unlimited rides for 2, 3, 4, or 5 days. Includes airport metro. Starts at €17.50 (2 days).
How to Buy & Use Tickets
- Purchase at station machines (English available) or online.
- Tap your ticket or card at the gate to enter.
- Keep your ticket until you exit.
Metro Map & Key Lines
- L1 (Red): Plaça de Catalunya, Arc de Triomf, Sants Estació
- L3 (Green): Passeig de Gràcia, Liceu (La Rambla), Drassanes (Port)
- L5 (Blue): Sagrada Família, Diagonal, Sants Estació
- L9 Sud (Orange): Airport Terminals 1 & 2
Tips for US Travelers
- Carry some cash for smaller purchases, but cards are widely accepted.
- Pickpocketing can happen—keep valuables secure, especially on busy lines.
- Metro signage and announcements are in Spanish, Catalan, and often English.
- Google Maps and Citymapper work well for metro navigation.
- Trains run every 2–4 minutes during peak hours.
Useful Apps & Resources
- TMB App (Official) – Real-time schedules, route planner
- Citymapper – Easy trip planning in English
- Printable Metro Map (PDF)
FAQs
Updated June 2025 | For more info, visit the official TMB website.
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